We conducted a 14−year follow−up study to analyze the hazard ratio(HR) of mortality regarding lifestyle−related factors in Saga Prefecture, Japan. The subjects included 2, 170 people, who were randomly selected from men and women aged from 40 to 69 years old, and who also completed the standardized questionnaire on lifestyle in 1983. Information about death and corresponding data were obtained either by mail and/or through the city offices in 1997. We found that a lower body weight, a lower physical fitness level, not consuming a balanced diet, and cigarette smoking to be significantly elevated risks for all−causes of death in males after adjustment by age and health status. In addition, these results did not change even after excluding subjects for early death. The HR of the female subjects who quit smoking was significantly high, although it changed to insignificant after excluding subjects for early death. These results suggested that being underweight might be an index of a positive risk of death, while maintaining a higher physical fitness level, being careful to consume a more balanced diet, and non smoking all appear to be indexes of a negative risk of death. In addition, these results might also be considered good evidence for improving poor health habits in health promotion activities.
Cessation of life ; Life Style ; Male population group ; Related ; Total

The objective of this study was to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. Two sets of cross-sectional data were obtained from annual health examinations for adults aged 40 years and over (n=1,327 in 1993; n=1,302 in 2000) in Tsunagi area of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. BMI was associated with mean blood pressure and with prevalence of hypertension both in 1993 and 2000. The association was independent of age, smoking status and alcohol consumption. A significant increase in risk of hypertension was found in most categories of BMI 25.0 and above, and a greater than three fold increase in those with BMI of 27 and above compared with those with BMI of 18.5-22.9. Although mean blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension sharply decreased in 2000 compared with that in 1993, BMI was positively and independently associated with increased blood pressure.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between forearm bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), and body composition focusing on body fat percentage (BF%) in Japanese females 18 to 40 years old.

METHODSSubjects were 2,280 females 18-40 years old. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and a medical history was obtained by questionnaire, including age at the time of the study and age at menarche. BF% was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Forearm BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The correlations of BMD with BMI and BF% were analyzed using a structural equation model.

RESULTSThe standardized regression coefficients for the path from BMI to BMD and the path from BF% to BMD were 0.538 and -0.184 respectively. The squared multiple correlation of BMD was 0.146. In addition, the standardized regression coefficient for the path from BMI to BF% was 0.896.

CONCLUSIONThe results showed a positive correlation between BMD and BMI and an inverse correlation between BMD and BF%. At the same time, it was noted that BF% increased with BMI. This indicated that BMD is dependant on BF% in subjects who have a similar BMI. Therefore, this study concluded that it is necessary to take body composition measurements into account when examining the relationship between BMI and BMD, especially in young females.